Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, second half of the 15th century
MS M.315 fol. 11r

See more information »

Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, beneath roof of shed, kneels with joined hands before nude Christ Child, cross-nimbed, rayed, lying on ground. Landscape in background.
Scene within decorated initial D.
In upper margin, in medallion, half figure of Abraham holds scroll inscribed ABR[AHAM]. In right margin, in barbed quatrefoil, half figure of Jeremiah holds scroll inscribed IEREMI[AS]. In lower margin, four putti flank blank medallion.
Margins of floreate border decorated with acanthus leaves, fruit, and flowers, and inhabited by woodpeckers, cat, and rabbit.